Few issues seen in compliance with workplace ventilation rules

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MOST companies are expected to easily comply with the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) new ventilation guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in workplaces.

In an online press briefing on Monday, Labor Assistant Secretary Teresita S. Cucueco pointed out that most of the provisions of Department Order (DO) No. 224, series of 2021, such as having exhaust fans, are already contained in the Building Code.

“So this is nothing new. This already part and parcel of what [systems] they already have in place,” Cucueco said.

Minor adjustments

She also noted companies without air conditioning can easily comply with the new guidelines by just opening their windows and doors to allow the flow of fresh air in enclosed working areas.

The compliance by establishments which have air conditioning units, will more complicated since they would have to ensure they install the necessary air filters and that there will be 6 to 12 air change per hour in their working spaces, according to Cucueco said.

The labor official made the clarification amid concerns that compliance with the new guidelines will be too costly for establishments.

Chance to comply

DOLE issued DO 224 last week to help minimize the spread of Covid-19 in workplaces through proper ventilation.

Cucueco noted they have received reports that Covid-19 positive workers did not infect their co-workers since the necessary ventilation system were installed in their offices.

Employers which violate the guidelines will be given time to comply with its provisions. However, once DOLE is able to prove any “willful” violation from the company, Cucueco said they can be fined with P40,000 per day for non-compliance with Safety and Health programs.

High compliance

As early as last year, when the Covid-19 cases became widespread, DOLE started inspecting companies to check with the government’s Covid-related workplace protocols, including ventilation measures.

“However, at that time our guidelines [for ventilation] were not as detailed as what we have right now,” Cucueco explained.

Of the 71,000 inspected firms in 2020, only 76 percent were found compliant with government regulations. This increased to 92 percent after DOLE called out the attention of the erring establishments.